The top team in the Western Hockey League is moving on to the Eastern Conference Semi Final after the Winnipeg Ice swept the Medicine Hat Tigers courtesy of their 3-2 road victory last night.
Last night’s game was tied 2-2 courtesy of goals from Matthew Savoie (Sabres 2022 9th overall draft pick) and Owen Pederson before Ty Nash gave the Ice the series clinching goal at the 1:10 mark of the 3rd period.
Ice goalie Daniel Hauser went 4-0 in the series, with a 2.25 GAA and .925 save %.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Matthew Savoie is currently 3rd overall in the WHL for playoff points with nine and he is 2nd overall in goals (six) while defenceman Ben Zloty is 1st overall in assists with eight.
Game results:
Game 1: Ice 5 Tigers 3
Game 2: Ice 5 Tigers 2
Game 3: Ice 7 Tigers 2
Game 4: Ice 3 Tigers 2
Awaiting their next opponent:
The 4th place Moose Jaw Warriors dispatched the 5th place Lethbridge Hurricanes in a four-game sweep. The Red Deer Rebels (#2) are currently up 3-1 over the Calgary Hitmen (7th) while the battle of Saskatchewan is currently tied 2-2 between the Saskatoon Blades (#3) and the Regina Pats (#6).
For those curious how seeding in the WHL works:
Clubs advancing to the second round and Conference Championships will be re-seeded each round based on Regular Season points.
While the Ice wait to find out who they will face in the next round, it will be a good chance for the team to heal up as they await the return of leading scorer Zach Benson (an expected Top 5 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft) who has been out of the lineup since March 10th.
